Hey Buckeyes, Happy Leap Day! We went through a great deal of extreme weather and temperature fluctuations this month, but do you want to hear something nice and warm? According to WBNS-10TV, we are happy to announce that spring is just around the corner. Therefore, you will only be stuck with your winter coat for another three weeks or so, and then please be prepared to sing a song of spring!
If you hadn’t noticed, 2016 has an extra day this month as it celebrates its leap year status with February 29. But what does this really mean? According to my Geography professor Dr. Jay Hobgood, in short, we add February 29 every four years to ensure that the calendar stays consistent with the Earth’s movement around the sun. Without a periodic adjustment, the calendar would be out-of-sync with the seasons by approximately one month every 125 years; therefore, once every four years, all of the extra time is added together to form a new day, which is February 29. This one extra day helps us stay synchronized with the seasons.
In my home country of China, we add a whole leap month to the Chinese lunar calendar every three years. The concept of “leap” is broader and more powerful in Chinese culture because of its agricultural importance. Using the concepts of “leap” and “the 24 solar terms,” farmers know when to start planning for growing crops and when to expect a good harvest year.
Since today is the extra day that we have as a gift in February, I highly encourage you to visit the Ohio Union, either physically or virtually, for some really cool opportunities. Are you interested in discounted tickets to Gateway Film Center? Then check out the great offers through D-Tix. Click here for more information about available tickets and go enjoy a lovely movie with friends. Have a great Monday!